Two car bombs in Syria’s central province Hama have killed at least 18 people, including 11 children, and wounded 50 others.<br /><br />Footage aired by Syrian state television purportedly shows the aftermath of the explosions: extensive damage to buildings and a smoldering car wreck.<br /><br />The official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) blamed “terrorists” – a term used by the government for rebels fighting to oust President al-Assad.<br /><br />The explosions come just days after attacks on government-held areas of Homs and the capital reportedly killed more than 100 people.<br /><br />The attacks followed Monday’s announcement that President al-Assad will seek a third term in office,despite opponents demanding he step aside to allow a negotiated solution to Syria’s three-year civil war.<br /><br />As the conflict drags on, Al-Qaeda’s leader Ayman al-Zawahiri ordered the group’s Syrian affiliate, Al-Nusra, to end fighting with its jihadist rivals. He was speaking in an audio message released on Friday.
